Doc Rivers steamed about some of the calls against his starting center.
NEW YORK -- For the two days between Games 1 and 2, the Boston Celtics planned to run more of their offense through Kevin Garnett. They spoke about needing his playmaking capabilities, knowing he could be trusted with the ball in his hands.
The plan went into action early Tuesday night in Game 2, as he drilled a jump shot over Tyson Chandler on Boston's very first possession. But less then four minutes of game time later, he was sitting on the bench with two questionable fouls.
Following the game, head coach Doc Rivers steamed about some of the calls against his starting center.
"I thought the fouls on Kevin were horrendous and had a huge affect on us," Rivers said. "He never got his rhythm when you could see he was going to have a game. It hurt us."
Garnett picked up his third foul about six minutes before halftime and only managed to play 24 minutes, during which time he registered 12 points and 11 rebounds. His absence couldn't be blamed for everything, but there could be no denying that finding a rhythm must have been tough. He picked up his fourth foul early in the third quarter, and had another whistle go against him midway through the fourth.
"At times it's frustrating," Garnett said, "but fouls are part of the game. Refs are calling things but it's an aggressive time in postseason play. I just have to be consistent and position myself not to foul so much."